The globe needs quite some pressure to look like a "globe"(then again it does leak slowly). The seams are not smooth but not too bad. For $6 I guess that's the trade-off!

The countries are just not well defined enough to use this as a teaching tool for your kids and it deflates way too easily. They will treat it as a beach ball more than anything else. Stick with an actual globe which is far more useful.

We used this soft inflated globe at the Baha'i stand at Tufts University Kid's Day last April. The globe was a perfect solution to managing varied numbers of children ages 3 to 12 while illustrating that "the world is but one country and mankind its citizens," a precept of the Baha'i Faith. While tossing the ball the kids participating could name the different countries, or sports each country was known for, and at the same time interact cooperatively with their fellows. The globe lasted perfectly through about 200 youngsters handling it.

Product was as describe, but shipping was a disappointment. Provided a tracking number that did little more than tell me it was shipped and when it arrived at my house. This resulted in me making a decision to travel and purchase one from a map store. Only to find out that it was delivered later the same day.

This toy barely made it two weeks with intensive playing. The material could be significantly more durable. Not recommended over a traditional globe.